I just got back from PNG after a brief visit to Laiagam (April 24 - May 21). For those of you who have kept abreast of the news online, K5million was approved for Lagaip-Porgera and 3 other electorates. The other constituencies (including other Engan electorates) have yet to receive theirs due to their incompetence or delay to submit budgetary and planning documents via the set procedures and guidelines.

My motto for Lagaip-Porgera is that "America is an abstact". It is not what we watch on TV but is a symbol of prosperity and lies soley in the very palm of our hands"! When the people are empowered through through the facilitation of an industry by which they can make a simple and comfortable living, then can we say America is already here. The MP's office is not "big name or status" but it represents "people's lives". I have been in Laiagam and the people are hungry for one thing; to make a living and get out of this cycle of poverty and death trap. How are we going to do it??? (Here's a few tips and one strategical development.)

HYDROELECTRICITY POWER PLANT

Beginning yesterday (May 21st) the 2 papers (The National & Post Courier) have put out an Open Tender by the Lagaip Porgera Joint District & Budget Priorities Committee and through the Supply Tenders Board.
[Invited tenders are asked to Design, Supply, and Install a 400 Kilowatt Micro-Hydro Electrical Turbine together with all associated Civil, Hydraulic, Mechanical, Structural & Electrical Works required to deliver Electrical Energy. The Turbine will be installed on the Aiyo River, at Aiyak Primary School, and will provide both High and Medium Voltage Transmission Services to the Existing Laiagam Diesel Generation Power House.] Tender Documents, providing Scope of Works, and a list of Schedules may be collected from: Central Supply & Tenders Board, Head Office 1st Floor, Westpac Bank, Waigani Drive NCD, Papua New Guinea.

A K100 non refundable fee shall be paid at the time of collection of the documents - payable by Bank Cheque to the NATIONAL SUPPLY & TENDERS BOARD. Tenders close at 10am on Monday the 2nd of June 2008. Late submissions will not be accepted. For further information contact: The Secretary, Central Supply and Tenders Board. Phone (675) 3113777. Facsimile 3113778. E-mail: info@cstb.gov.pg
All bids must be submitted in sealed envelopes and Clearly marked with the tender number (LAGAIP - 001/2008) to:
The Chairman
Central Supply & Tenders Board
Head Office 1st Floor
Westpac Bank
Waigani Drive
NCD
Papua New Guinea

(Any of our Engan technical advisers are welcomed to suggest credible tenderers that may be of significant contribution to our electorate. No wantok system because we seek utmost efficiency and commitment considering the limited timeframe.)

We need electricity first before we can establish a pyrethrum factory which will utilize huge bulks of energy to process raw pyrethrum from producers throughout the ENTIRITY of LAGAIP-PORGERA. Furthermore, it will be an alternate source of electricity for household residents throughout Laiagam.

The Member has been in the Tasmania (Australia) to arrange for an Australian pyrethrum-producing company (Botanical Resources Australia Pty. Ltd) to manage, market, and produce our pyrethrum (i.e. establishment of factory, crop-growing education & awareness, cash vouchers in exchange for fertilizers and seedlings), etc.) Through the Member, I appreciate now the role an MP plays. God grants people the wisdom, but you also need the knowledge, network and bureaucratic experience to create that vital link between the LOCAL SELLER & the INTERNATIONAL BUYER. Before I spill more beans, let me mention other critical issues.

Firstly, funds are moving slowly through the Ministries of Finance and Treasury. That is why alot of MPs will suffer if they do not have the internal experience and network as the Lagaip-Porgera MP. My electorate is advantaged at that. Secondly, the MP has already budgeted for a 4-year website (www.lagaip-Porgera.com) which will be managed by Freddie. Unfortunately, it has to be 4 years instead of 5 due to the delays of the two mentioned ministries of government. The Member has already appointed a young computer scientist from the UPNG to install computers, facilitate internet connection, and publicize relevant press information on world wide web for the Parliamentary Office of Lagaip-Porgera. He (Robert) will be Freddie's web liaison. Thirdly, as I will return to Enga (after my PhD) in September, the MP will organize a meeting with our intellects during the Christmas holidays (2008) to discuss critical issues affecting our electorate. Simultaneously we will have a group of university graduates from our electorate to campaign vigorously for the cause of HIV/AIDS and tribal fight. I will personally monitor and manage this during the 2-week break I am given off work.

The main problem for the PK and other MPs is a delay of funds and it seems the two ministries and departments are passing the buck. But not to worry, we will try to have the internal issues identified and ironed out.

Date Posted:Thu, May 22 2008, 11:00:35pm
Wow! guys job well done. Enga desperate need such a collaborative ideas for better future for engans. this is very impressive and innovative strategy to implement and I wish my district the same.